About Us
Our mission
At AWL, our mission is to provide excellence in education and workforce development by training the next generation of skilled welders and fabricators. We are dedicated to preparing professionals to meet the industry's demands and to making quality learning accessible to all.
Meet our team
Danny Cobb
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CWI-CWE/Co-Owner
Danny Cobb is an AWS Certified Welding Inspector and Educator (CWI/CWE) with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, including gas-fired power plants and global drilling operations.
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As Manager of Welding Operations at Pruitt, a Managed Pressure Drilling Company, Danny oversaw manufacturing and inspection processes for drilling equipment and aided in the development of a quality management system adhering to API Q1/ISO 9001 standards. This experience shaped his commitment to quality, safety, and environmental standards, which he brings to AWL.
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Driven by a passion for teaching, Danny transitioned to academia, serving as a Welding Instructor at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith. After witnessing the high costs and unnecessary red tape often associated with welding programs at traditional colleges and universities, he co-founded AWL to deliver high-quality, affordable training that is accessible to everyone.
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Danny’s extensive 30-year network with local manufacturers ensures exceptional job placement opportunities for AWL graduates. A dedicated community leader, he regularly participates in charity events and serves on multiple boards, including as Chairman of the Fort Smith Adult Education Advisory Board and a member of the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District Local Workforce Board.
Jake Robinson
Lead Welding Instructor
Jake brings 14 years of exceptional experience as a Class A Combo Welder, with a proven track record of industry accomplishments. His expertise includes serving as a Senior Welding Instructor at Tulsa Welding School, where he mentored and trained 40 to 60 students daily.
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His journey in the welding industry began in 2011 when he pursued his education in Welding and Fabrication at Indian Capital Technology Center in Tahlequah, OK. He then further refined his technical expertise by studying Technical Engineering and Fabrication at OSU-OKC.
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Jake is a certified 6G GTAW/SMAW Combo Pipe Welder with nearly 10 years experience in the field and holds a teaching license through StrataTech. His combination of technical mastery and instructional experience makes him an invaluable asset to our students and programs, ensuring they receive top-tier education and training that prepares them for successful careers in the welding industry.
Joe Brown
Welding Instructor
Joe began his welding journey in 2003 at Riverside Vo-Tech in Grady, AR, where he earned his certification in Combination Welding. Over the years, he honed his skills as a welder and fabricator for various companies, steadily advancing in the field. In 2016, he became a Field Welding Foreman, leading welding crews for six years.
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In 2022, Joe transitioned into academia, taking on a role as a welding instructor with Goodwill Industries in Little Rock, where he taught students across all welding processes.
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Beyond the classroom, Joe runs the popular YouTube channel Your Welding Coach, along with his popular TikTok and Instagram he has amassed nearly 160,000 followers. His channel is dedicated to teaching welding techniques and helping individuals turn their skills into careers or businesses. Through his videos, he provides diverse learning opportunities, shares insights on launching and growing a fabrication business, interviews industry professionals, and hosts live Q&A sessions. Joe also delivers motivational content to inspire aspiring welders to build successful futures in the trade.
Cory Guadagno
Welding Instructor
Cory brings extensive industry expertise as the former Production Manager at Qual Serv, where he led a team of 35+ employees in welding and robotic welding operations. Over his five-year tenure, he played a crucial role in testing and training welders, ensuring high-quality standards and operational efficiency.
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In addition to his leadership in manufacturing, Cory also served as a Welding Instructor at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, further honing his skills in welding education and workforce development.
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With over 14 years of experience in welding, fabrication, and instruction, Cory is a highly skilled professional and a valuable asset to any team.
Will Merwin
Weld Lab Technician
Will has been honing his craft since the age of 13, initially apprenticing under his stepfather in his ornamental iron business. There he contributed to the fabrication of intricately designed iron gates and fences eventually transitioning into subcontracting for the U.S. military where he undertook specialized projects, demonstrating his expertise in the construction of missile launcher and firearms racks.
As the Weld Lab Technician, Will holds a host of responsibilities ranging from assisting Instructors and maintaining equipment to keeping inventory records and managing safety expectations.
Angela Cobb
Administrator/Co-Owner
Angela expertly manages all administrative aspects of the school, drawing on over two decades of extensive experience in office management, billing, and IT operations. Her deep expertise ensures seamless support across admissions & registration, scheduling, finance, and course-related matters. With a keen eye for efficiency and a dedication to excellence, Angela plays a pivotal role in the institution’s daily operations.
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Beyond her professional commitments, Angela is passionate about giving back to her community. She is a dedicated member of the 100 Families Alliance Committee, and actively organizes food and gift drives, volunteers her time, and supports various local nonprofit organizations. Her commitment to service reflects her deep-rooted belief in making a meaningful impact on those around her.